On Friday evening last I received from His Majesty the mission to form a new
Administration
It was the evident will of Parliament and the nation that this should be conceived
On the broadest possible basis and that it should include all parties
I have already completed the most important part of this task. A war cabinet has
Been formed of five members, representing, with the Labour, Opposition and
Liberals, the unity of the nation
It was necessary that this should be done in one single day on account of the
Extreme urgency and rigor of events. Other key positions were filled yesterday. I
Am submitting a further list to the king tonight. I hope to complete the
Appointment of principal ministers during tomorrow
The appointment of other ministers usually takes a little longer. I trust when
Parliament meets again this part of my task will be completed and that the
Administration will be complete in all respects
I considered it in the public interest to suggest to the Speaker that the House
Should be summoned today. At the end of today's proceedings, the adjournment of
The House will be proposed until May 21 with provision for earlier meeting if need
Be. Business for that will be notified to M. P.s at the earliest opportunity
I now invite the House by a resolution to record its approval of the steps taken and
Declare its confidence in the new government. The resolution
"That this House welcomes the formation of a government representing the united
And inflexible resolve of the nation to prosecute the war with Germany to a
Victorious conclusion."
To form an administration of this scale and complexity is a serious undertaking in
Itself. But we are in the preliminary phase of one of the greatest battles in history
We are in action at many other points--in Norway and in Holland--and we have to
Be prepared in the Mediterranean. The air battle is continuing, and many
Preparations have to be made here at home
In this crisis I think I may be pardoned if I do not address the House at any length
Today, and I hope that any of my friends and colleagues or former colleagues who
Are affected by the political reconstruction will make all allowances for any lack of
Ceremony with which it has been necessary to act
I say to the House as I said to ministers who have joined this government, I have
Nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat. We have before us an ordeal of the
Most grievous kind. We have before us many, many months of struggle and suffering
You ask, what is our policy? I say it is to wage war by land, sea and air. War with
All our might and with all the strength God has given us, and to wage war against a
Monstrous tyranny never surpassed in the dark and lamentable catalogue of human
Crime. That is our policy
You ask, what is our aim? I can answer in one word. It is victory. Victory at all
Costs -- victory in spite of all terrors -- victory, however long and hard the road may
Be, for without victory there is no survival
Let that be realized. No survival for the British Empire, no survival for all that the
British Empire has stood for, no survival for the urge, the impulse of the ages, that
Mankind shall move forward toward his goal
I take up my task in buoyancy and hope. I feel sure that our cause will not be
Suffered to fail among men
I feel entitled at this juncture, at this time, to claim the aid of all and to say,"Come
Then, let us go forward together with our united strength."